Riots broke out in several Belgian and Dutch cities after Morocco shocked Belgium by winning 2-0 during a World Cup football clash in Qatar.
Belgian police detained a dozen people, sealed off parts of the centre of Brussels, deployed water cannons and fired tear gas to disperse crowds on Sunday following violence during and after Morocco’s 2-0 upset win over Belgium.
Rioters smashed shop windows, threw fireworks, and torched vehicles. Videos posted on social media showed people smashing the windows of a red car and setting it alight.
Philippe Close, the mayor of Brussels, condemned the violence urged football fans to stay away from the city centre.
“Those are not fans, they are rioters. Moroccan fans are there to celebrate,” Close said.
“Sad to see how a few individuals abuse a situation to run amok,” said Belgian interior minister Annelies Verlinden.
“Around 7 p.m. calm returned and preventive patrols remain in place in the sectors concerned,” police spokesperson Ilse Van de Keere said. “The rioters used pyrotechnic material, projectiles, sticks, and set fire on the public highway,” the police said.
Disturbances were also reported in Amsterdam and The Hague.
Morocco’s victory against Belgium was a major upset at the World Cup and was passionately celebrated by fans with Moroccan immigrant roots in many Belgian cities.